Organizations lay out funding options in call for lawmakers to pass revenue solutions

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Several organizations called for lawmakers to pass revenues needed to fund core services and stop a teacher walkout.

The Oklahoma Education Association plans to call for school closures April 2 if lawmakers do not restore funding to education and deliver pay raises for teachers and state employees. The Oklahoma Policy Institute was joined by more than two dozen organizations March 26 to provide for several revenue options that total over $1.4 billion. The OEA's demands total $812 million.

David Blatt, executive director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, said the teacher walkout is a symptom of years of budget cuts.

“We're here today to remind legislators of how budget cuts are holding back Oklahoma communities, and we've brought a list of balanced and sustainable revenue options that lawmakers can choose from to do better," Blatt said.

Blatt's group was joined by those representing non-profits, faith communities, educators, public employees and more, including Rev. Chris Moore with ACTION-Tulsa.

"We see the impact on stressed and struggling teachers, often relying on nothing but idealism and spiritual fortitude to get them through another work week. We see students who feel the weight of classrooms where they cannot get the attention they need, and the lack of resources and opportunities for success." Moore said. "We know the employees who cannot make ends meet and must humble themselves to seek help from their church so they don’t have to decide between having the lights on or getting enough to eat.”

See the revenue options below: